BlueBaron

ORT MYERS, Fla. (AP)—Francisco Liriano probably won’t arrive at Minnesota Twins camp until next week.

Twins general manager Bill Smith said Friday he thinks Liriano will pick up his visa in the Dominican Republic on Monday, which would mean the pitcher likely wouldn’t get to spring training until at least Tuesday.

“We were hoping he would be able to get it today, but whatever the issue was, it wasn’t an issue with him,” Smith said. “It was more of a consulate issue.”

Liriano has been stuck in the Dominican Republic for more than a week, delaying the left-hander’s return from elbow ligament replacement surgery. Because of a new practice, people who have a recent DUI on their records are required to attend an alcohol assessment before getting their visas to enter the country.

Liriano, who had a DUI in 2006, and the Twins were unaware of the development, and the former All-Star has been scrambling to meet the requirements ever since.

The Twins have a baseball academy in the talent-rich Dominican, and Liriano has been working out there periodically to stay in shape.

“He threw a couple innings in our academy this morning,” Smith said. “He’s in good shape. He’s throwing. It’s all positive. It’s just a timing issue.”

Twins GM: Liriano might not report before Tuesday - MLB - Yahoo! Sports